[Early paralysis of the recurrent nerve in bronchogenic carcinoma]

In 1983-1987 34 patients with paresis of the recurrent nerve were examined. In 4 patients with left-sided paresis bronchogenic carcinoma was revealed, i. e. in 12% of all examined subjects. In relation to the group of patients with left-sided paresis bronchogenic carcinoma was detected in every fifth patient. As no other symptoms than hoarseness are present in paresis of the recurrent nerve and the results of examinations are frequently negative, the diagnosis is difficult. The authors summarize their experience and draw attention to systematic examination and possible new examination methods which must be indicated. Early diagnosis in two patients made radical therapy possible.